Our highly popular free online author talks continue in August with two more opportunities for you to interact with New York Times bestselling authors — with one transmitted live via Zoom onto our big screen.
Join us at the library next Wednesday, Aug. 21, at 5 p.m. to interact with Shelby Van Pelt, novelist and author of “Remarkably Bright Creatures,” about a widow’s unlikely connection with a giant Pacific octopus.
Meanwhile, today, Thursday, Aug. 15, at noon showcases Irena Smith, Ph.D., discussing “The Golden Ticket to College Admissions is Not What You Think: Redefining Success for Parents of Teens.”
For details and to register, go to https://libraryc.org/pagosalibrary/upcoming.
Writers Guild publishes anthology
Ruby’s Writers Guild has just published a new anthology, “Tales from the San Juans,” which the members say includes “life musings, creative short fiction, retrospectives, poetry, novellas and short observations — all inspired by the beauty that surrounds us.”
The book is available at the library for $21.50, with net proceeds going to the library’s building campaign.
Every Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m., the guild welcomes writers looking for opportunities, support, resources and camaraderie with other writers at this free gathering.
Preschool playdough tomorrow
Join us for free playdough exploration and fun tomorrow, Friday, Aug. 16, from 10 to 11 a.m.
Fairy Tale Theatre tomorrow
All ages are invited to a Fairy Tale Theatre from 2 to 3:30 p.m. tomorrow, Aug. 16, when you can read and act out your favorite characters. Aesop’s fables and fairy tales will be our source for fun stories we will enjoy together.
LEGO Club Saturday
Kids aged 6-11 are invited to the free LEGO Club on Saturday, Aug. 17, from 11 a.m. to noon. Bring your own LEGOs or use ours to free build.
Pokemon Club Saturday
If you’re aged 6-11 and love Pokemon, this free club is for you. Bring your cards on Saturday, Aug. 17, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Knitting and crochet lessons
Learn to knit or crochet on Monday, Aug. 19, at our free gathering from 2 to 3:15 p.m. for ages 8 and up. Supplies will be provided.
Music fun Monday
Pagosa Unplugged is free from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 19, for amateur musicians who would like a safe, supportive, non-bar setting to play, sing or both with other people. For information, contact Susan at (970) 946-3396.
Adult DIY next Tuesday
At the free in-person adult DIY next Tuesday, Aug. 20, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., we will create hoop art with doilies, ribbons, natural stones and other items we have in our crafts room. All supplies will be provided. Registration is required.
Spanish conversation
Practice your Spanish in a free group setting on Tuesday, Aug. 20, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. There is no minimum skill level needed.
Note this group now meets twice a month, on the first and third Tuesdays.
Free play for kids
Family storytime next Wednesday, Aug. 21 from 10 to 11 a.m. will be a free play session.
Tween rock hounds
Get together with tweens every Wednesday this month from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. for free sessions to uncover the mysteries of gems, minerals, crystals and rocks.
Dungeons and Dragons
Today, Thursday, Aug. 22, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., join our Dungeons and Dragons game free for teens and young adults. Create a character and join the adventure. Preregistration is required because space is limited. Contact Josie@pagosalibrary.org to join.
ESL classes
Free in-person evening classes take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with 4 to 5 p.m. reserved for beginners, 5 to 6 p.m. for intermediate and 6 to 7 p.m. for advanced students. Please help us share the word about these classes.
Tech Time
Free in-person slots are available from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and 2 to 4 p.m. Thursdays. Judy helps you with basic questions relating to computers, smartphones and tablets, and also provides assistance in accessing the library’s online resources.
No appointment is needed for these drop-in sessions, but please bring your device’s charger and passwords with you.
Pagosa Adult Learning Services (PALS)
Join Mark or Sally for free PALS sessions Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 8 p.m. to help with high school equivalency, GED, college prep, financial aid, tutoring and more.
Activities calendars
Pick up monthly events calendars at the library so you don’t miss any of the free activities available to you and your family.
Downloadable books
CloudLibrary has a wide variety of downloadable e-books and audiobooks for all ages. To access this free digital collection, download the cloudLibrary app, answer a few simple questions, select AspenCat Union Catalog for the name of your library, then enter your library card number and four-digit PIN. Library staff are happy to help you set up your device if you need assistance.
Spanish-language books
“Equilibra Tu Glucosa” (“Balance Your Glucose”) by Ismael Galancho is a guide to improve your metabolic health and reduce body fat. “Cocina Bonito, Cocina Sano” (“Cook Beautiful, Cook Healthy” by Estefania de Andres offers 88 delicious and healthy recipes plus essential kitchen tips. “Como No Matar Tus Plantas” (“How Not to Kill Your Houseplants”) by Veronica Peerless is a new edition outlining how to care for more than 100 houseplants. “El Huerto Autosuficiente” (“Grow Food for Free”) by Huw Richards shows how to grow fruits and veggies in your home garden.
DVDs
“The Long Game” is the true story of five young Mexican-American caddies in Texas who make it to state as players against all odds with help from two coaches who believe in them.
Nonfiction
“It’s Not Hysteria” by Dr. Karen Tang is a guide to women’s health conditions including period problems, pelvic pain, menopause, sexual health and more. “Sing Like Fish” by science writer Amorina Kingdon explores how underwater animals tap into sounds to survive and how human noise can endanger them. “White Poverty” by the Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II offers an approach to dealing with endemic American poverty. “Next Level” by Stacy T. Sims is a guide to help active women deal with menopause. “Roctogenarians” by Mo Rocca and Jonathan Greenberg is a collection of features about late-in-life achievers.
Large print
“Lost Man’s Lane” by Scott Carson follows a teen’s experience as a summer intern working for a P.I. “Patchwork Quilt Murder” by Leslie Meier is a Lucy Stone mystery. “A Refiner’s Fire” by Donna Leon is a Commissioner Guido Brunetti mystery. “The Glassmaker” by Tracy Chevalier is set in 1486 Venice. “Flashpoint” by Catherine Coulter is an FBI thriller. “Some Murders in Berlin” by Karen Robards features a psychological profiler.
Mysteries, suspense and thrillers
“A Guest in the House” by Emily Carroll tells of a woman who just married a man whose wife died of perhaps not natural causes. “Bad River” by Marc Cameron is an Arliss Cutter thriller.
Donation guidelines
When we are open, material donations are accepted for the Friends of the Library at the front desk — not down the outside returns slot at the library or the drop box at City Market, please.
Guidelines for donations: Yes to popular fiction books published in 2013 or later, nonfiction books published 2018 or later, and children’s and young adult books — all in excellent condition, please. No to CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray, VHS or cassette tapes; textbooks, outdated travel books or reference books because they do not sell. No more than two boxes at a time because of space constraints.
Quotable quote
“In my profession, I can only ever play the age that I am, at least until AI takes over completely. Then the plastic surgeons will be out of a job.” — Diane Lane, age 59, American actress who has starred in film and on TV, and continues to work.
Website
For more information on library books, services and programs — and to reserve books, e-books, books on CD and DVDs from the comfort of your home — please visit our website at https://pagosalibrary.org.
